VISTA Grant Writing & Development Specialist - Haven Services

AmeriCorps VISTA Position Description 

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service program dedicated to ending poverty by building the capacity of nonprofit organizations and public agencies. VISTA’s mission is to strengthen and supplement efforts in low-income communities to eliminate and alleviate poverty by engaging volunteers from all walks of life, all geographical areas, and all age groups in a year of full-time service. 

By joining the L.A. Works Volunteer Corps Program, you will be placed with one of our nonprofit partner organizations to serve for 12 months and tasked with a capacity-building project such as: creating sustainable systems to expand services, recruiting community members to volunteer in local programs, establishing a database of program alumni, and/or developing partnerships to bring new economic opportunities in Los Angeles County. 

Benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA 

• Living Allowance – VISTA members will receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance of $30,116.15 per year to cover basic expenses.  
• Relocation Allowance - If VISTA members move 50+ miles from their home to a new community, they will receive relocation travel assistance and a settling-in allowance. 
• Healthcare Benefits – VISTA members will be able to choose between reimbursement for healthcare or a healthcare plan that also includes dental and vision coverage. 
• Professional Development - VISTA members will receive professional development opportunities from L.A. Works and AmeriCorps VISTA throughout the year. 
• Child Care Assistance - VISTA members may be eligible to receive a child care benefit if they have children under the age of 13.  
• End of Service Award – At the end of their service, VISTA members will be able to choose between the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $7,395 to pay for education expenses or a cash stipend of $1,800.  
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) - Once VISTA members complete their term of service, they will qualify for NCE, a unique hiring path that makes it easier for federal agencies to hire VISTA alumni. 

 Eligibility Requirements 

• Be 18 years or older and cannot be enrolled in an undergraduate program  
• Pass a national service criminal history check 
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or DACA status 
• AmeriCorps VISTA cannot accept applications from international students on OPT/CPT visas 

VISTA Grant Writing & Development Specialist  

Employment Type: Full-Time 
Work Setting: Hybrid / Remote 
Location: Los Angeles 
Reports to: Executive Team / Development Leadership 

About Us 

At Haven Services, our mission is to financially empower vulnerable communities in Southern California by providing no-cost financial and housing education and services to end financial and housing crises. For over a decade, Haven Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has maintained an unwavering commitment to the financial health, housing security, and education of our community members. All services provided by Haven Services are free of charge. Founded in the aftermath of the 2008 Economic Recession, Haven was established to address systemic financial and housing inequities impacting economically vulnerable individuals and families. 

Position Overview 

We are seeking a motivated and strategic VISTA Grant Writing & Development Specialist to support Haven Services’ fundraising, sustainability, and growth efforts. This hybrid role blends grant writing with broader development responsibilities, including donor engagement, fundraising campaigns, and institutional partnerships. The VISTA Grant Writing & Development Specialist works closely with leadership, program staff, and finance to secure diversified funding streams that sustain and expand Haven’s financial empowerment, housing counseling, and tax assistance programs. 

Key Responsibilities 

Grant Writing & Institutional Funding 

• Research, write, and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry (LOIs), and funding applications to foundations, corporations, and government agencies. 
• Maintain a grant calendar tracking deadlines, renewals, and reporting requirements. 
• Collaborate with program and finance teams to develop budgets, budget narratives, and supporting documentation. 
• Prepare grant reports, renewals, and compliance documentation. 
• Support funder stewardship and follow-up communications. 

Development & Fundraising Support 

• Support individual donor cultivation and stewardship efforts, including acknowledgments, updates, and impact communications. 
• Assist with fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and special events. 
• Help develop donor-facing materials such as impact reports, case statements, and fundraising narratives. 
• Support outreach to corporate and institutional partners for sponsorship and funding opportunities. 

Strategy, Data & Collaboration 

• Work with leadership to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability goals. 
• Track fundraising activity, grant performance, and donor engagement metrics. 
• Maintain organized development records and documentation for reporting and audits. 
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development systems and processes. 

Qualifications 

• Experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related role preferred. 
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with attention to detail. 
• Ability to manage multiple funding streams and deadlines simultaneously. 
• Strong organizational and communication skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. 
• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems is a plus. 
• Passion for financial empowerment, housing stability, and community impact. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field (preferred). 
• Experience with government or institutional grants is a plus. 
• Bi-lingual highly desirable. 

VISTA Service Description 

Are you excited by both storytelling and strategy? As the VISTA Grant Writing & Development Specialist (Full-Time), you will help secure the resources that power Haven Services’ mission. This role offers the opportunity to shape compelling funding narratives, build meaningful relationships with funders and donors, and contribute directly to the long-term sustainability of programs that change lives. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Haven Services is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace. 

Accommodations for Disabilities 

Reasonable accommodations are provided during the application and interview process and throughout employment to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions. 

Disclaimer 

This job description serves as a general guide and does not encompass all responsibilities, skills, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as organizational needs